Making of the Bankfoot House model
The model of Bankfoot House shows what the property looked like around 1890
This model of Bankfoot House shows what the property looked like around 1890, and was made by Peter Sands of Purple Cow Architectural Imagery in 2018. In 2019 the model was ‘aged’ by Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works. Details from photos from the collection and other family records were researched to ensure its accuracy.
Bankfoot House was built in 1868 as a guesthouse to provide a lunch stop and staging post for Cobb & Co coaches travelling to the Gympie Goldfields. In 1878 a second building for the growing family was established, connected by a covered walkway to the original guesthouse.
Bankfoot House c1870 and 2019. Bankfoot House Collection and Ben Vos Photography.
Bankfoot House from Old Gympie Road, 1926. The later building with the pitched roof is visible behind.
The model takes shape. Purple Cow Architectural Imagery.
Peter Sands with his completed model, 2018. Purple Cow Architectural Imagery.
Weathering the model begins, 2019. Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
Deconstruction! Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
Attention to detail is critical in creating an accurate model. The model replicates this c.1880 photo down to the tree stump in the foreground and the blanket on the verandah railing. Bankfoot House Collection and Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
The model and other property features, including downpipes and guttering, were all built as close as possible to scale. Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
Intricate details were added – like individual shingles on the roof and a reconstruction of a heavily cut back tree beside the house. Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
The artist Tim Ellem (right) with staff member Ann Podobnik. Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
Before and after the weathering process. Timmy’s Miniature & Weathering Works.
Bankfoot House c1870 and 2019. Bankfoot House Collection and Ben Vos Photography.
Bankfoot House from Old Gympie Road, 1926. The later building with the pitched roof is visible behind.